Thread: Disposing of used DE blades

I have a years worth of used blades I have to dispose of. I don't want to throw them into the garbage and become a hazard to sanitation workers or pets at the dump. I was originally planning to put them into a sharpies container and bring it to the drug store to have them destroyed, but in total (the container+disposal fee) is out of my budget at the moment.

If I put them into a tin can and put them into recycling, is this an ethical way to dispose of them? Will they become a hazard to workers, etc?

Get a can of evaporated milk or a large can of juice. Cut a slit in the top and , after you empty the contents, slip the blades in there. If you have a way to solder the slot that would be one way, or maybe just caulk the opening with silicone or some such.

I have always breadknifed them and tossed them into a recycle bin but it sounds like you have alot. Maybe ask the people at the recycling depot what to do with them.

If you have access to a "sharps container" (Dr.s office, Lab) you can drop them in one of those.
When I travel with a DE I always take the blades (in an envelope/wrapping) to the front desk, ask if the have a sharps container (many public area bathrooms have them).
They usually say thanks for not dropping that in the trash and we will take care of it.

Originally Posted by j033

If I put them into a tin can and put them into recycling, is this an ethical way to dispose of them? Will they become a hazard to workers, etc?

I think that will do. When these get recycled they are melted at temperatures of at least 1,000 deg Celsius. No bacteria or germs will survive that. And if they are in a concealed can, they will be no hazard to anyone.

The below is also sound advice:

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Get a can of evaporated milk or a large can of juice. Cut a slit in the top and , after you empty the contents, slip the blades in there. If you have a way to solder the slot that would be one way, or maybe just caulk the opening with silicone or some such.

I too thank you for the advice.I had recently asked the same question in a previous thread. I was concerned about landfill and wildlife issues and harm to trash collectors all thats kinda stuff. Thought maybe there was some proper procedure to recycle them but just wasn't sure?

I have a used razor blade slot in the back of my medicine cabinet. Mine go to "Blade Heaven" with the other 90 yrs of old blades!

Seems a shame they can't be melted down for something useful ??

I heard here that you can get a very nice vintage sharps receptacle on the bay for just a few hundred bucks...

Dispose them no need to, uses them for something else! http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...rtisement.html